steps

To create the pattern for the bag, with scissors, cut a 30-inch by 18-inch rectangle out of a piece of craft paper or a paper bag. Cut a 3-inch by 3-inch square out of each corner of the rectangle.

With a seam ripper or craft knife, remove liner from leather jacket and discard. Remove sleeves and open inside seam in each to create a flat piece of leather. Finally, remove collar and detach front panels from the back panel.

The back panel will serve as one piece of leather. To create a second piece, patch front panels and arm pieces together with a sewing machine to fit the pattern. Lay pattern on each piece and with a rotary cutter and a ruler, cut the pattern from the leather.

Fold each piece of leather in half, wrong sides together, securing with double-sided tape. Lay one folded piece on top of the other, right sides together, and secure edges with double-sided tape.

Apply ruler tape along bottom and side edges of leather. Using a Dremel Stylus drill fitted with a 5/64-inch bit, drill holes every 1/4 inch, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Do this on a surface that is safe to drill into such as a workbench or a scrap of wood.

Remove ruler tape and sew sides and bottom together using an Awl for All fitted with black waxed twine, removing double-sided tape from between the leather pieces as you sew.

To create flat bottom of bag, open each 3-inch by 3-inch square cutout at the bottom of the bag and bring bottom and side seams together. Secure with double-sided tape, apply ruler tape, and then drill and sew as in step 5 above. Flip bag right side out.

To make handles, cut excess leather into 1 1/4-inch by 20-inch strips, piecing leather together with a sewing machine as needed. Using a binder clip, clip 3 strips together and braid.

To attach handles, measure 2 1/2 inches in and down from top corners of bag and mark points. Secure ends of braided handle over marked points with double-sided tape, cover with painter's tape, and use Dremel Stylus fitted with 5/64-inch bit to drill holes through the end of the strap into the bag every 1/4 inch in a 1-inch by 1-inch square. Be sure to place a scrap of wood inside bag to prevent drilling through both sides of the bag. Do this on each side for each handle.